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1MDB: Live Debate Between Arul Kanda, Tony Pua Should Take Place Soon – Salleh Keruak

KUALA LUMPUR: Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) is ready to host a live debate on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) between the president and group executive director of 1MDB, Arul Kanda Kandasamy, and Public Accounts Committee (PAC) member Tony Pua, soonest possible.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Salleh Said Keruak said the ministry had contacted Arul Kanda today to inform him that RTM would provide a studio for the live broadcast, and they would also get in touch with Pua soon.

“To us, it is appropriate for the debate to go on, so that Malaysians can know the true situation of 1MDB. RTM will discuss with both parties to find out when they want to have the debate. We have no barriers.

“I hope it will be held this year…as soon as possible. To me, the sooner the better. The matter cannot be left ‘hanging’ because people are looking forward to hearing the debate on 1MDB,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby, here, Monday.

Arul Kanda had on Saturday said he was ready to face Pua on live television regarding 1MDB – without any condition, taking up the challenge made by Pua on his blog recently.

However, Salleh said both parties would be subject to the condition where only general information could be delivered, and not on things discussed at the PAC meeting.

“Both parties will be given the opportunity to present their arguments in a one-hour debate. To me, it is the best format,” he said.

When asked to elaborate on the debate format, Salleh said the two sides had to agree to find an appropriate format, and then inform RTM on the matter to facilitate the live broadcast.

“This debate is not just a question-and-answer session, where one asks all the questions and the other answers them. It’s where both parties can argue over their respective explanations relating to 1MDB, and we will provide a moderator,” he said.

Salleh also said that RTM would be airing a new programme to discuss current issues, in the near future.

“This programme encourages differences to be dealt with in a conducive atmosphere. It should not be emotional, every party must rationally argue with facts. At the end of the day, the audiences will analyse and judge on the issues,” he said.